Featured Artist: Annisa Tiara Utami

June 8, 2015

Annisa Tiara Utami, this week’s featured artist, hails all the way from Java, Indonesia! Geometric-yet-dreamy art fills her profile, and her creative prints inspire the curiosity of many. Read on to learn more!

BBP: Describe your style in 5 words or less!

Annisa: Cute, joyful, and heartwarming.

BBP: What is your creative process like?

Annisa: I bring my sketchbook everywhere. I always draw a raw sketch first on paper- whatever an idea pops in my head. That keeps the idea from just vanishing like smoke in the next minute. Then I redraw the sketch in computer to add to it and fine tune it because what’s on my sketchbook is usually very basic. When I’m out of ideas or don’t know what to do next, I stop the drawing process and come back a few hours later. If I keep sitting in front of my computer and do nothing but stare at my unfinished work, it just starts to get frustrating. So I’ll take a little walk near my house or watch TV, just to rest my mind and refresh my imagination.

BBP: Do you always work from the same a spot- a studio, a particular desk, etc.- or do you move around?

Annisa: Mostly at my work desk but sometimes in my living room. But I sketch everywhere!

BBP: How has your style changed over the years?

Annisa: It hasn’t changed much. I mostly draw colorful illustration in vector form and then add some elements through Photoshop. But I’m always exploring for other possibilities.

BBP: Tell us about the colors you use- how do you choose them, what inspires them?

Annisa: I like to use vintage-style colors. They make the final form of the illustration calm and warm.

BBP: Did you always know that you wanted to design for kids and families?

Annisa: Despite the fact that many of the illustrations I’ve made were about children, robots and nature, I actually design for anyone. I realize right now that they suited mostly for kids and families, but like I said earlier, I’m always exploring toward new possibilities.

BBP: Do you think art is important for kids? Why?

Annisa: Art is important for everyone. Any kind of art. It brightens our lives and it’s a good medium to pour out our imagination.

BBP: Tell us about your favorite one of your designs on the site: Which one is it? Why? What inspired it?

Annisa: I have a wonderful daughter. Her name is Shofiya. She’s 4 months old.

BBP: How did you decorate her nursery?

Annisa: Nothing out of the ordinary. I put some hanging toys and handicraft above her small bed and some family photos hanging up the wall. And there’s a classical music box.

BBP: What was the most surprising thing about having children?

Annisa: I spend most of the time with my daughter. Which is why I don’t have much free time like I used to. But it’s all fun spending time with her. Seeing her smile and laugh never fails to lighten my day.

Annisa: I remember that I really loved playing badminton with my dad. I even had a dream to be a professional badminton player. But that dream vanished as the times went by and was replaced by other dreams!

BBP: What did your room look like growing up?

Annisa: It was pretty simple. The wall was painted with blue and yellow. There was a photo of me when I was in kindergarten which makes me laugh every time I see it because I had chubby cheeks. I also had a family photo on my bedside table, and there was this big old radio I loved so much.

BBP: What’s your favorite midnight snack?

Annisa: Cassava chip and a glass of tea.

BBP: Do you have a favorite quote or saying? What is it and why?

Annisa: My favorite quote is The “earth” without “art” is just “eh.” It’s hilarious and sort of true. The world without art is boring.